DROMEDARY CAMEL (Camelus dromedarius)

DISTRIBUTION: North Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East

DIET: Dried leaves, seeds, and desert plants.

NOTES: Camels do not store water in their humps as is commonly believed. The humps are actually a reservoir of fatty tissue. Concentrating body fat in their humps minimizes heat-trapping insulation throughout the rest of their body. When this tissue is metabolized, it acts as a source of energy.Camels are able to withstand changes in body temperature and water consumption that would kill most other animals.